Obituary for Clarence “Roy” Wilson

Clarence Leroy Wilson

June 26, 1926 – February 6, 2024

Clarence Leroy (Roy) Wilson, 97, of Ponca City, Oklahoma passed away on Tuesday morning, February 6, 2024. A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:00am Saturday, February 17th, 2024, at Trout Funeral Home Chapel, Ponca City, OK. Following the ceremony, Roy will be laid to rest at Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery, 1901 E. Hubbard Rd, Ponca City. A Visitation for family and friends will be held Friday, Feb.16 from 6pm to 8pm at Trout Funeral Home, 505 W. Grand Avenue, Ponca City.

Clarence Leroy Wilson was born to Clarella Harris Wilson and Estle Earl Wilson on June 26, 1926, in Marland, Oklahoma. Leroy started school in 1932 at Marina, OK. Lovingly referred to as Leroy, his parents later shortened it to Roy when he was around 10 years old. In 1938, the Wilson family moved to a farm just north of Ponca City. Roy was an A student, active in football and wrestling at Ponca City High School and graduated in May 1944. The following Fall, after World War II began, Roy enlisted in the Army Air Force where he was an aircraft mechanic at bases in Charleston, SC; Biloxi, MS; and Roswell, NM. While walking with two of his buddies on the Roswell base, an MP (military policeman) driving a Jeep accidentally struck Roy and broke his leg. Shortly after the war ended, Roy was discharged on crutches!

Growing up on a farm, living through the Great Depression, and serving in World War II contributed to the development of Roy’s character that inspired him throughout life. As a member of the Greatest Generation, he exhibited personal responsibility, a solid work ethic and unwavering commitment to his family.

He married the love of his life, Verna Marie Wulf, on June 18th, 1949. He was employed at Cities Service at the time, but shortly after hired on with Nickles Machine Company as a machinist and supervisor. Furthermore, he retired from Nickles Machine in 1991 after 42 years of faithful service. Roy and Verna were members of First Baptist Church and raised their three children with unconditional love and guidance throughout their lives.

In addition to being a loving and supportive husband to Verna for over 69 years, Roy was a devoted father to Russell, Dennis, and Sharon. The memories gained from the time spent with their dad left an immeasurable positive influence and a template for the adults they strived to become.

Roy enjoyed numerous trips hunting, traveling, and camping with Verna, family, and friends. He coached little league, where Dennis and Russ’s friends got to know him so well. He was an avid OSU fan. Likewise, he enjoyed watching just about any football game on TV. Not only that, but he had a cap or jacket for every one of his favorite teams! When not at work, you could usually find him in the garage under one of the kids’ cars. He was always willing to fix anyone’s car that needed help. He had a vegetable garden every year in the backyard of their home on Birch Street, and maintained Verna’s beautiful flower beds at their home on Monument Road. His children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren treasure all the vacations spent with them and the visits back to their home in Ponca City. Since Verna passed away in 2019, he lived at Appleton Manor in Appleton City, MO near his daughter, Sharon, and her husband Mitch. His OKIE cap provoked many conversations because he wasn’t from that small town where everyone knows everyone! They all got to know and love Roy there as well.

Roy has reunited in Heaven with his beloved wife, Verna; his parents Clarella and Estle; his brother Bill Wilson and sister Ruby Wilson Dougherty.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory: son Russell Wilson of Palm Springs, CA; son and daughter-in-law Dennis & Doris Wilson of Cudjoe Key, FL; daughter and son-in-law Sharon & Mitch Page of Butler, MO; granddaughter Amanda Wilson and great-grandsons Diego and Zander of Aztec, NM; grandson Adam Wilson and great-grandchildren Natalie, Jack and Jace of Ponca City; grandson Grant Garwood, his wife Kirstie and great-grandchildren Garrett and Charlotte of Joplin, MO; granddaughter Tori Cox, her husband Dustin and great-granddaughter Lyla of Joplin, MO.

Pallbearers will be grandsons and longtime friends: Adam Wilson, Grant Garwood, Dustin Cox, Ray Wulf, Larry Buck, and Joe McKenny. Honorary pallbearer will be Mike Daugherty.

Arrangements are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home.

Source: Trout Funeral Home